Food Insecurity in Perth

Food insecurity – not having enough money to buy food – is a serious public health problem. When income is too low, people do not have enough money for rent, bills and food.

An estimated 9% of Perth County residents, or about 7000 people are living with food insecurity. Approximately 1.5 million Ontarians are food insecure.

In Ontario, 64% of people receiving social assistance are food insecure, suggesting current social assistance rates are simply not enough to cover basic needs.

Having a job is no guarantee of enough money for food – 60% of food insecure households in Ontario are part of the workforce, often in low paying or unstable jobs.

What Does Food Insecurity Look Like?

The experience of food insecurity can range from worrying about running out of food, to compromising the quantity or quality of food, or having to rely on cheaper, less nutritious food to keep hunger away. When severe, food insecurity can mean missing meals or going full days without eating.

Food Insecurity Takes a Tremendous Toll on Health

Adults who are food insecure are more likely to suffer from conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Children are more likely to suffer from mental health problems and teenagers are at greater risk of depression, social anxiety and suicide. Being food insecure makes it more difficult to manage health conditions.

Food Insecurity Cannot be Solved with Food

The best way to end food insecurity is by addressing poverty. Income solutions such as a basic income guarantee, a living wage and social assistance rates geared to the real cost of living are needed so that everyone has the money they need for basic needs, including food.